The biggest movie adaptations these days are of comic books – most notably Marvel and DC Comics – followed by Young Adult novels. But many works of classical literature have also been turned into films, and the ones based on female authors’ novels have been among the most memorable.
If you are a fan of classical literature, and of women authors, here are a few films you HAVE to watch:
Pride & Prejudice (2005); Author: Jane Austen
Adapted from Jane Austen’s popular book of the same name, the 2005 movie adaptation is the only modern 2000s adaptation of the book – Pride and Prejudice and Zombies doesn’t count, as it is not the original material of Pride & Prejudice. Both Keira Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen give a stellar performance as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and making viewers believe in love again.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dYv5u6v55Y[/embedyt]
Jane Austen’s name will appear a few more times in this article. 😉
Frankenstein (1931); Author: Mary Shelley
There are many modern adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. However, Universal’s first attempt at capturing the gothic novel on celluloid has remained the most iconic iteration. The 1931 film is also one of the main gateways into the movie world’s horror genre. Shelley’s novel is not only a gothic novel with romantic elements, it’s also a predecessor to the sci-fi genre.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN8K-4osNb0[/embedyt]
Little Women (2019); Author: Louisa May Alcott
The latest modern adaptation of Alcott’s novel of the same name, Little Women tells the story of the March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth – living in Massachusettes in the 19th century. It also details their lives, from childhood to adulthood. The 2019 film has an ensemble cast – Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Florence Pugh, among many other big names.
There are other adaptations of Little Women – most notably the 1994 movie which stars Winona Ryder as Jo March.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AST2-4db4ic[/embedyt]
Emma (2020); Author: Jane Austen
This is the latest mainstream film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. It tells the tale of Emma Woodhouse, who is a restless queen bee with no rivals in her sleepy small town. She is handsome, bright, and wealthy. Emma must voyage through wrong pairings and romantic mishaps to uncover the love that has been there all along in this dazzling satire of social class and the anguish of growing up.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsOwj0PR5Sk[/embedyt]
Murder On The Orient Express (2017); Author: Agatha Christie
This is the fourth motion picture adaptation of the beloved Agatha Christie novel, after 1974 big-screen film, a 2001 TV movie, and a 2010 episode of the TV series Poirot. The plot follows Poirot, a world-famous detective, as he investigates a murder aboard the opulent Orient Express train in the 1930s.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq4m3yAoW8E[/embedyt]
Sense And Sensibility (1995); Author: Jane Austen
The first major film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, this version sees Elinor Dashwood played by Emma Thompson, who also penned the screenplay. Marianne Dashwood is played by Kate Winslet. The novel follows the Dashwood sisters, members of a landed gentry family who must now struggle with poverty. They are compelled to marry for financial stability. Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman portray their suitors.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0XvqB1ENzs[/embedyt]
Death On The Nile (2022); Author: Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s Belgian Detective – Hercule Poirot – returns for the latest adaptation of Death on The Nile, the sequel to Murder on The Orient Express. Currently showing in cinemas, it is directed by Kenneth Branagh and features an all-star ensemble cast including Branagh as Poirot, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer and Annette Benning.
Trailer: [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZRqB0JLizw[/embedyt]
Honorable Mentions
Gone With the Wind (1939); Author: Margret Mitchell
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X94oZgJis4[/embedyt]
Wuthering Heights (2011); Author: Emily Bronte
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-b0DBepmgo[/embedyt]
Jane Eyre (2011); Author: Charlotte Bronte
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFsdfk3mlk[/embedyt]
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